Press Release: 2025-01-28
Healey-Driscoll Administration Hosts Meeting of Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force
Governor elevates Congressional delegation, Lieutenant Governor as Co-Chairs of Task Force dedicated to protecting and expanding missions, jobs and investments at Massachusetts’ military installations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
1/27/2025
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Karissa Hand, Press Secretary
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Call Karissa Hand, Press Secretary at 617-725-4025
BOSTON — Today, Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll hosted members of the Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force for a meeting at the State House that featured an update on Massachusetts’ six military installations and a discussion of recent and upcoming Task Force activities. Governor Healey serves as chair of the Task Force. The Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force was created in 2012 to protect and expand missions, jobs, and economic investments at and surrounding Massachusetts’ military installations.
Massachusetts’s military installations include: Barnes Air National Guard Base, Devens Reserve Forces Training Area (RFTA), Hanscom Air Force Base, Joint Base Cape Cod, Natick Soldier Systems Center, and Westover Air Reserve Base. These bases generate more than $13.2 billion in total economic activity and support for more than 57,000 jobs in Massachusetts.
The U.S. Department of Defense has recently recognized the strength of Massachusetts and military missions in the state. A recently released report listed Massachusetts in the top 10 states for defense contract spending across the United States. In December 2024, the Secretary of the Air Force formally selected Barnes Air National Guard Base to receive the new F-35A aircraft, cementing the presence of the Air Force in Western Massachusetts for the foreseeable future. In addition, the Air Force also identified Hanscom Air Force Base as the sole location to host the Air Force’s new Information Dominance Systems Center, along with additional jobs and led by a new three star general officer.
“One of the greatest opportunities the Lieutenant Governor and I have had in office is meeting service members and visiting our military installations,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our military installations play an incredibly important role in our state: as leaders in national defense, as regional economic drivers, and as places where young men and women learn and grow in their military service and become leaders. In many ways, they are the keepers of our deepest legacies in Massachusetts, around service and self-government. We’re proud to be convening this Task Force to advance the mission of our state’s military installations and discuss how our administration can support economic development in and around our military bases.”
“As the proud daughter of a Navy veteran, I grew up with a deep understanding of and respect for military service. That’s why I’ve visited each of our six military installations to meet with base leaders and community partners and learn about their key missions up close,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our administration is committed to working with all levels of government on identifying opportunities to support the people, infrastructure and mission needs of the military installations in Massachusetts.”
As chair of the Task Force, Governor Healey elevated Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and the entire Massachusetts Congressional delegation to serve as co-chairs. At the meeting, Governor Healey also appointed four additional members from higher education and the defense industry to the Task Force: UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen, Northeastern Senior Vice Provost Dr. David Luzzi, MITRE Senior Principal Katie Enos and General Dynamics Vice President and General Manager of Maritime and Strategic Systems Dr. Laura Hooks.
Additional members of the Task Force include: Healey-Driscoll administration cabinet secretaries, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard Major General Gary W. Keefe, Commander of the Massachusetts Army National Guard Brigadier General Mark Kalin, Commander of the Massachusetts Air National Guard Brigadier General Joseph Morrissey, State Senator John Velis, State Senator Ryan Fattman, State Representative David Vieira, President and CEO MassDevelopment Navjeet Bal, Mass Tech Collaborative CEO Carolyn Kirk, and Massport CEO Richard Davey.
“For centuries the men and women of the commonwealth have been there for Massachusetts to assist with natural disasters, security threats and armed conflict,” said Maj. Gen. Gary W. Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard. “The Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force is focused on ensuring our service members have the tools and training to meet any challenge. Through collaboration with our military organizations and partners from Business and Educational institutions the Task Forces is committed to providing critical resources to our troops to guarantee mission success.”
“The Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force has an important role in enhancing the operational efficiency and economic impact of our state’s military installations,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “Strengthening collaboration between the military installations, businesses and academic institutions safeguards vital investments while expanding opportunities for growth and innovation. This Task Force is one example of the many ways we support our military and underscores our deep commitment to national security, local job creation and strong community partnerships.”
“Massachusetts takes pride in ensuring our military installations provide real opportunities for service members, veterans, and their families,” said Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago. “These bases shape the next generation of leaders and help veterans transition to civilian life. By fostering these connections, we show our deep gratitude for our veterans and their sacrifices.”
“Massachusetts’ military installations drive significant economic activity across our state, creating jobs as well as opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and investment with local industry and academic partners,” said Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao. “The Executive Office of Economic Development and our partners at MassDevelopment are proud to support the Task Force as it works to protect and expand jobs and investments here in Massachusetts.”
“MassDevelopment is pleased to support the work of the Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal. “As the state’s development finance agency and land bank, MassDevelopment understands the importance of our military installations to our economy and has worked to partner with and strengthen bases across Massachusetts.”
In the last 10 years, the federal government has invested nearly $1 billion in capital construction at Massachusetts military installations, including over $300 million for MIT Lincoln Lab, $37 million for the Hanscom Air Force Base Child Development Center, and $18.5 million for the barracks addition at Natick Soldier Systems Center.
The Task Force holds bimonthly calls focused on Massachusetts installations and national perspectives, as well as quarterly working group meetings. Lieutenant Governor Driscoll participated in the October 2024 working group meeting held at Natick Soldier Systems Center.
Congressional Delegation Quotes
Senator Elizabeth Warren:
“Massachusetts is critical to our national security, and I’m committed to fighting for investments in the technology that our military needs to keep Americans safe. I’m grateful for our federal-state partnership and our state leaders’ focus on this task force and energized for the fight ahead to ensure servicemembers and their families have the resources, like affordable housing and childcare, to stay focused on their missions.”
Senator Ed Markey:
“I’m honored to co-chair the MASS-TF and join our Massachusetts delegation in support of all Active-Duty, Reserve, and National Guard members and civilian employees who serve across the Commonwealth. Massachusetts is more than the Bay State, we are the Brave State and the Brain State, and this Task Force will help further opportunities for research, innovation, training, and economic development within our strong military community. "
Congressman Richard E. Neal:
“With Barnes Air National Guard Base and Westover Air Reserve Base in my district, I know firsthand the significant role military installations play not only in upholding our nation’s defense, but also in stimulating economic activity throughout our communities. It’s no coincidence that earlier this year, we celebrated the assignment of a new fleet of F-35 aircraft at Barnes. At every level of government, federal, state, and local, Massachusetts supports our servicemembers. We are fortunate to have a Governor and Lieutenant Governor who recognize the important role of our military bases and are committed to supporting their mission and economic development. It is a privilege to serve with my colleagues in government as Co-Chair of this task force.”
Congressman Jim McGovern:
“Massachusetts’ military installations are pillars of our state’s economy and innovation ecosystem. I’m proud to work alongside Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and our partners on this task force to protect and expand the jobs, missions, and opportunities at these bases—ensuring they remain a source of strength, leadership, and economic opportunity for our Commonwealth and our country.”
Congresswoman Lori Trahan:
"I am grateful to be named a co-chair of Governor Healey's Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force. By working together across the state and federal levels of government, we will strengthen support for our servicemembers and their families, foster innovation in the public, private, and education sectors, and create good-paying jobs that benefit communities across the Commonwealth.”
Congressman Seth Moulton:
"Massachusetts has a rich history of military leadership dating all the way back to the founding of our nation. Today we’re a hub for defense innovation, and I’m proud that the North Shore is home to much of this cutting-edge work. It’s an honor to serve as a co-chair of this Task Force alongside Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and the rest of the federal delegation. I look forward to working together to bolster the critical mission of our six military installations and the wider Massachusetts defense community.”
Congressman Stephen Lynch:
“One of the most basic responsibilities of government is to provide our men and women in uniform with the training, equipment and facilities to successfully complete their mission, and also to render care for them upon their return to civilian life. I am proud to work alongside Governor Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, and my congressional colleagues to empower the Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force and strengthen our military installations. The Healey administration and our State Legislature continue to lead by example by prioritizing investments in our military bases and defense systems, and by honoring our veterans’ service to our nation."
Congressman Bill Keating:
“The partnerships forged through the Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force ensure that our Commonwealth is uniquely prepared to compete for increased federal investment into our military installations. I look forward to continuing to work together with my fellow task force members as we identify strategies that support the needs of our installations.”
Installation Quotes
Lieutenant Colonel Carlos M. Poventud-Estrada, Devens Reserve Forces Training Area:
“DEVENS Reserve Forces Training Area (RFTA) provides training support, base operations, and performs other missions as directed for the Joint Force to build and deliver combat ready Soldiers and formations. The U.S. Army Reserve along with MASS-TF’s support will remain steadfast in enhancing the DEVENS RFTA experience as the U.S. Army’s premier military training installation in New England.”
Colonel Jorge Jimenez, Hanscom Air Force Base Installation Commander:
“Team Hanscom is grateful for the valuable partnership we have with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the MASS Task Force. We appreciate the steps the Task Force and the state have taken to welcome service members and veterans into their communities.”
Karen “Jack” Magnus, Director, Mission Sustainment & Community Partnership, 439th Airlift Wing, Westover Air Reserve Base:
“Westover Air Reserve Base appreciates the continued support from The Commonwealth, the Governor’s office, our federal and state delegates, our communities, and the MASS-TF. Today’s briefing highlighted their successful teamwork and continuous commitment to the state’s military installations and our uniformed members – currently serving, veterans, and families. The structure The Commonwealth and Governor’s office created by establishing and continuing to grow and build the MASS-TF has led to a well thought out, cohesive and organized effort that benefits military capability and service in Massachusetts.”
Brigadier General Chris Hackler, Senior Commander, Natick soldier Systems Center:
“The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has long demonstrated its unwavering commitment to supporting our military installations and the dedicated government civilians, military personnel, and their families who serve there. At the recent governor’s annual Mass Task Force meeting, we reaffirmed the importance of our partnership with the Commonwealth, academic and research institutions, and industry in achieving our shared mission. The State’s investments not only improve our military installations and provide critical support for our Armed Forces but also enhance our Nation’s readiness and collective security. We deeply appreciate Governor Healey’s leadership and the continued collaboration between Natick Soldier Systems Center and the military community across the Commonwealth.”
Other Task Force Member Quotes
Senator Ryan Fattman (R-Webster):
“I’m honored to serve as a member on the Massachusetts Military Asset & Security Strategy Task Force. Our military installations are important facilities that train our soldiers and help protect us from threats to our Commonwealth and nation. I’m excited to work with the task force to strengthen our military infrastructure, create new economic opportunities, and keep our servicemembers and civilians safe.”
State Representative David T. Vieira (R-East Falmouth):
“I want to commend Governor Healey for appointing Lt. Gov. Driscoll as Co- Chair of the Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force. This morning’s meeting underscores the need for continued engagement of our defense partners, political leaders, and defense industry community. Co-Chair Driscoll said it best, ‘The task force started on defense, now it’s time for offense. As a founding member of the task force, I am looking forward to the challenge of bedding- down the F35’s at Barnes and future missions at Joint Base Cape Cod.”
UMass Lowell Chancellor Dr. Julie Chen:
“Massachusetts’ military installations are vital to our state’s economy, security, and innovation ecosystem. This convening today reflects the Governor’s commitment to fostering partnerships between our military bases, academic institutions, and businesses. At UMass Lowell, we recognize the immense potential for collaboration to drive research, workforce development, and economic growth. We are proud to support this initiative and look forward to contributing to the Task Force’s mission to strengthen our Commonwealth’s military assets and surrounding communities.”
Northeastern Senior Vice Provost Dr. David Luzzi:
"Contemporary national security challenges in AI, quantum, hypersonics, and autonomy require the breakthrough advances that the nation’s research universities can provide. Massachusetts’ nation-leading strength in research universities provide a tremendous advantage for our military bases and units, reinforcing the importance of a significant DoD presence and investment in the Commonwealth. "
Dr. Laura Hooks, Vice President and General Manager at General Dynamics Mission Systems:
“The Task Force aims to support military missions by bringing together the defense sector in the Commonwealth. This goal is important to me and the many employees of General Dynamics across Massachusetts. I am proud to be part of this group, which can positively impact the Massachusetts defense sector and our regional economy, including large contractors and small businesses that provide capabilities and support to our military missions.”